COVID-19: Information for Older Adults

Older adults have an increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, but can also be negatively impacted by social isolation.  There are general infection prevention and control measures that should be used to decrease the spread and impact of the disease, but mental health needs to be balanced as well. Here are some things older adults can do to keep themselves healthy:

• Ensure you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For information on accessing COVID-19 vaccines, see the COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments page.
• Monitor yourself for symptoms.
• Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Disinfect surfaces.
• Keep a 2 metre distance from others. Wear a mask when physical distancing is difficult to maintain, including when outdoors.
• If you live alone, consider having close contact with one other household to maintain your social connections.

For more details on general infection prevention measures, visit the Stop the Spread page.

With older adults being at higher risk of more severe outcomes from COVID-19, it is important that they:

• Avoid all non-essential travel.
• Avoid local public transportation if possible, as it is difficult to physically distance from others.

Information for Snowbirds

Spending the cold winter months in a sunny destination is something many Canadians look forward to. However, at this time, TBDHU recommends that all residents avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.

Some people might worry that braving the cold winter months, as well as the pandemic, might be difficult to bear. Mobility can be impacted by snow and ice, loneliness might increase due to limited close contacts, and opportunities to be social, such as routine events and celebrations, may be cancelled.

While staying home this winter might not be the first choice, older adults are encouraged to consider the following to stay active, healthy and happy:

Stay Active

• Take advantage of the beautiful walking trails in our area. Be aware of icy roads and snow-packed walkways.
• Consider a new winter sport (e.g. cross-country skiing or snowshoeing).
• Take part in virtual or home exercise programs (e.g. yoga, pilates or stretching), or join a gym or group exercise class. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required to enter indoor recreational facilities.

Stay Healthy

• Eat a variety of nourishing and satisfying foods.
• Try some new recipes (e.g. butternut squash soup or Ontario Winter Vegetable Soup). Find other recipe ideas on the Canada’s Food Guide website.

Stay Happy

• Organize activities with your friends and family (e.g. bingo night or trivia) while respecting current gathering limits and physical distancing guidelines.
• Develop a new hobby or join a club (e.g. sewing, knitting or book club).
• If you live alone, consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.

If you live in a dwelling that is not suitable for winter living, such as an RV or camp that is not winterized, consider living with a family member or friend for the season, or look for a short term rental in your area.

If you do intend to travel this winter, see the Travel page for more information to consider.

If you are not feeling well and think you may have COVID-19 symptoms:

• Call the Assessment Centre nearest you or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. 
• Call 911 if you are in need of immediate medical attention.

If you need to see your health care provider (i.e. doctor, nurse practitioner, etc.):

• Call before attending your appointment to see how they will continue with the appointment.
• If you are unable to access your regular health care provider and you need medical attention, you can try Cover.Health which is an online walk-in clinic.

• Ask for help getting essential supplies, like groceries, household items and medications.
• Check with your local pharmacy and grocery store for special senior hours and/or delivery options.
• If you have a favourite restaurant, call to see if they offer senior discounts, take-out and/or delivery.
• Call 211 or visit 211north.ca for services available for older adults in your area, such as food banks, grocery stores, taxes, mental health services, snow removal and so forth.

There are some free/low cost meal or food hamper options for older adults in need. Things are constantly changing - call 211 or visit 211north.ca to find out more.

During a crisis, people can feel stressed. While staying home, people can feel lonely and isolated. To help cope in a positive way, do things you enjoy, such as:

• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories.
• Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and drink lots of fluids.
• Try to get some fresh air and sunlight daily by opening curtains and/or windows or going outside.
• Try some activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others over the phone or by social media. Check out the service "A Friendly Voice" for seniors who may be feeling lonely or isolated and want to talk to someone.
• Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Financial losses due to COVID-19 can be overwhelming. If you need help understanding and navigating COVID-19 supports, loans, and other options, consider accessing the free financial counselling available through Thunder Bay Counselling.

For more information, visit tbaycounselling.com or call (807) 684-1880 to speak to a financial counsellor.

• As soon as you are able, get all doses of COVID-19 vaccine you are eligible for. For information on accessing COVID-19 vaccines, see the COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments page.
• If you live with or know any older adults, ask how you can help them.
  • See if they need anything picked up for them, such as medication refills, groceries, cleaning products or other supplies they may need.
  • Ask if they need any meals prepared, a dog walked, snow cleared, or if there is anything else you can do for them.
• Respect their ability to make decisions about their needs.
• Phone calls, texts or other ways people prefer to communicate can be used to just chat or see how they are doing will help them to feel connected.
• Talking about positive things will help to alleviate stress and fear.
• If they live alone, consider encouraging them to have exclusive close contact with one other household, keeping in mind their physical and mental health status and their risk of developing complications from COVID-19.
• If you are an exclusive close contact of an older adult who lives alone, DO NOT VISIT if you are not feeling well for any reason.

For information and details on visiting loved ones in Long-Term Care homes or other retirement settings, visit the Long-Term Care & Retirement Homes page.